Pick It Up MVP

The beaches of Carlsbad California have an eco advocate who makes a difference every day. For the last 62 mornings, Vicki Larson has walked a six-mile path collecting trash along the way with her Pick It Up Bag. “Some days there is not too much, but other days I can collect as many as 6 bags of trash. All it takes is one person to scatter their beer cans or pizza boxes. And sometimes people leave entire bags of trash on the beach!” Larson often finds Mylar balloons on her daily walks as well. The collection of these balloons is so important because Mylar balloons are composed of synthetic nylon with a metallic coating and the decomposition of these balloons can take anywhere from six months to four years. As well as being non-biodegradable, both marine and terrestrial animals frequently mistake these deflated balloons as food.

When asked what inspires Larson, she said it’s a lot of things. Originally she started walking the beach during the first Covid-19 outbreak when her gym was closed but found she loved being out in the fresh air, getting exercise, and collecting trash at the same time. “People spend a lot of money on gym memberships, but walking the beach and collecting trash I get exercise, I am saving money, and I’m helping keep my community and beach clean. It’s a win-win for me.”

Pick It Up started in hopes that people would feel empowered to pick up trash when outdoors walking or hiking. Every piece of litter collected and disposed of properly, helps. And it’s an activity that makes you feel good. The more people make it part of their routine, the better. So Pick It Up is very excited to have people like Vicki Larson as one of their embassadors. And as for the main reason for her commitment she simply says, “I love it.”